News room

NEA Partners invest in digital-first publishing house Bookea Vulkan Group

Scarp acted as advisor to Bookea Vulkan Group in connection with the investment from NEA Partners.

Founded in 2008, Bookea is a leading, fast-growing, and innovative publishing group that, with its comprehensive offerings and digital tools, lowers the barriers of writing and publishing physical and digital books, as well as audio and e-books. The company operates primarily in three different business areas: Self-publishing, hybrid publishing, and traditional publishing under the brands Vulkan and Lava ("Publishing Services"), production of audio and e-books and podcasts ("Digital Production") and writing courses ("Master Class"). Since its founding, Bookea has assisted thousands of authors in publishing both physically and digitally, resulting in the release of over 10,000 unique book titles.

NEA Partners is a Swedish investment company focusing on minority investments in Nordic growth companies. Since its founding in 2017, NEA has invested in 20+ companies across a wide range of industries and completed 8 exits.

Bookea is currently established in the Nordics and the Baltics and will together with NEA embark on an expansion journey to establish its offering and concept in new geographical markets. NEA joins as a strategic partner along with existing shareholders Michael Storåkers, Jonas Svensson and Peter Norrman (CEO).

Scarp is looking forward to following Bookea as they continue their journey to reinvent book publishing.

For more information:
NEA press release

Contact
Gustaf Aniansson
Partner
gustaf@scarpgroup.com

About Scarp Group
Scarp is a boutique investment bank supporting growth companies in the private markets. We provide capital and deal advisory for Nordic entrepreneurs building the companies of tomorrow. We are an independent firm executing deals with innovative perspectives – working with efficiency, creativity and hands-on value creation. We build our business on long-term partnerships, taking our clients to their full potential. For more information, please visit www.scarpgroup.com

Leading waste management and recycling company Sortera acquires Circla Recycling

Scarp acted as advisor to the shareholders of Circla in the sale to leading Nordic waste collection company Sortera.

Circla was founded in 2011 by brothers Rickard and Marc Ericsson and the company has become a strong actor within construction waste management and recycling in the Stockholm region. In 2022, Circla achieved over SEK 60m in revenue with continued profitability. The company is known for its exceptional customer service and sustainability focus, establishing itself as one of the leading players in the industry.

Sortera is owned by the private equity firm Nordic Capital and the transaction marks Sortera’s 20^th acquisition since being founded in 2006. With the acquisition of Circla, Sortera Group increases their revenue to c. SEK 3.15bn. The deal will allow Sortera to strengthen its position and leading offering in the Swedish market.

Scarp is excited to follow the team’s journey of contributing to a more sustainable society and continuing to innovate the European recycling industry.

For more information:
Sortera press release

Contact
Axel Brenner
Partner
axel@scarpgroup.com

About Scarp Group
Scarp is a boutique investment bank supporting growth companies in the private markets. We provide capital and deal advisory for Nordic entrepreneurs building the companies of tomorrow. We are an independent firm who execute deals with fresh eyes and innovative perspectives. We build our business based on partnering up to take our clients to their full potential. For more information, please visit www.scarpgroup.com

Software company Microdeb is acquired by Valsoft Corporation

Scarp acted as advisor to the shareholders of Microdeb in the sale to Valsoft Corporation.

Microdeb was founded in 1979 and is a market-leading Swedish software company offering comprehensive solutions to streamline payment and order transactions. Microdeb’s customers include companies in both the private and public sector – ranging from corporate restaurants to municipalities and hospitals. The company’s payment system manages around 150 million transactions per year, illustrating its expertise in optimizing transactional processes.

Montreal-based Valsoft Corporation acquires and develops vertical market software companies. Valsoft’s philosophy is to invest in well-established businesses and foster an entrepreneurial environment that shapes a company into a leader in its respective industry.

The acquisition propels Microdeb into an even more prominent position within the Swedish and European market. Valsoft has acquired over 90 businesses globally – with Microdeb as its second acquisition in Sweden – positioning the company to enhance its presence and elevate its flagship products to new heights.

Scarp is looking forward to following Microdeb’s journey with Valsoft Corporation.

For more information:
‍Valsoft press release
Aspire Software press release

Contact
Axel Brenner
Partner
axel@scarpgroup.com

About Scarp Group
Scarp is a boutique investment bank supporting growth companies in the private markets. We provide capital and deal advisory for Nordic entrepreneurs building the companies of tomorrow. We are an independent firm who execute deals with fresh eyes and innovative perspectives. We build our business based on partnering up to take our clients to their full potential. For more information, please visit www.scarpgroup.com

Online luxury vintage retailer A Retro Tale raises SEK 24m from H&M Group Ventures

Scarp acted as advisor in A Retro Tale’s latest fundraise, bringing on board H&M Group Ventures and Leo Vegas founder Gustaf Hagman.

A Retro Tale is a Sweden-based online retailer of vintage luxury products. Founded in 2017 by Niclas Jansson, the company offers a curated selection of pre-loved high-end fashion items, including clothing and accessories. The company's mission is to make it easy for customers to discover and purchase unique, high-quality vintage items from around the world. In contrast to other secondhand resellers, A Retro Tale owns 100% of their inventory which enables authenticity guarantees and improved deliveries.

H&M Group Ventures (formerly H&M CO:LAB) was founded in 2015 to invest across three strategic investment areas: Sustainable fashion, New Retail and Enablers & Services.

The funding round enables A Retro Tale to further expand the product assortment, enhance the online shopping experience, and accelerate their growth journey across Europe. In conjunction with the fundraising, A Retro Tale has appointed Daniel Tidebrink as new CEO.

Scarp looks forward to following the team’s journey in becoming a leading destination for luxury vintage shopping.

For more information:
‍Dagens Industri article
Finanstid article
Realtid article

Contact
Gustaf Aniansson
Partner
gustaf@scarpgroup.com

About Scarp Group
Scarp is a boutique investment bank supporting growth companies in the private markets. We provide capital and deal advisory for Nordic entrepreneurs building the companies of tomorrow. We are an independent firm who execute deals with fresh eyes and innovative perspectives. We build our business based on partnering up to take our clients to their full potential. For more information, please visit www.scarpgroup.com

Open Payments raises €3m in a fundraise led by Industrifonden

Scarp acted as advisor in Stockhom-based fintech company Open Payments’ €3m fundraise led by Industrifonden, with participation from Global Brain and other strategic investors.

Open Payments provides the groundbreaking banking infrastructure required for instant payments and B2B open banking services. Its PSD2-compliant API aggregation platform offers an open and secure single-point access to the diverse bank API networks in Europe and connects partner services like lending, currency and virtual banks.

Industrifonden has more than €400m in assets under management and invests in early-stage companies from Seed stage to Series A with unique, scalable solutions that improve society through breakthrough technologies and science. Global Brain is one of Japan’s largest independent venture capital firms with c. €1.5bn in assets under management. Stockholm-based Luminar Ventures also participated in the fundraising alongside angel investors and existing owners.

The fundraising enables Open Payments to further commercialize its products and strengthen its position in the Nordics and Europe.

Scarp looks forward to following the Open Payments team and their journey to building the next generation open banking services for B2B payments.

For more information:
Dagens Industri article
‍Tech.eu article

Contact
‍Axel Brenner
Partner
axel@scarpgroup.com

About Scarp Group
Scarp is a boutique investment bank supporting growth companies in the private markets. We provide capital and deal advisory for Nordic entrepreneurs building the companies of tomorrow. We are an independent firm who execute deals with fresh eyes and innovative perspectives. We build our business based on partnering up to take our clients to their full potential. For more information, please visit www.scarpgroup.com

Turnpike welcomes new investors on board

Scarp acted as advisor in Turnpike’s SEK 28m funding round with strategic private investors, including Shervin Razani, Tomas Franzén and Johan Dennelind amongst others.

Turnpike provides innovative IoT technology solutions to empower frontline retail staff and boost in-store sales with the help of smartwatches. The wearable technology enables staff to process transactions in-store, reducing queue times and improving customer experience. Turnpike’s solution also allows staff to access inventory data and customer preferences, enabling them to make targeted product recommendations and upselling.

The proceeds will be used for further commercialization and continuing Turnpike’s international expansion. Apart from the Nordics, the company is already present in Germany, the Netherlands and the UK.

Turnpike was founded by Carl Norberg, Björn Ögren and Peter Carlson and has previously been backed by strong investors such as Karl-Johan Persson, Jan Carlzon, Curitas Ventures, Brofund, and Spinnaker Ventures. To date the company has raised SEK 130m.

Scarp looks forward to following the team’s exciting journey in empowering frontline workers worldwide.

For more information:
Breakit article

Contact
Axel Brenner
Partner
axel@scarpgroup.com

About Scarp Group
Scarp is a boutique investment bank supporting growth companies in the private markets. We provide capital and deal advisory for Nordic entrepreneurs building the companies of tomorrow. We are an independent firm who execute deals with fresh eyes and innovative perspectives. We build our business based on partnering up to take our clients to their full potential. For more information, please visit www.scarpgroup.com

Scarp appoints Natalie Wild as Vice President

We would like to welcome Natalie to our team at Scarp.

Natalie has previous experience of investment banking as an Analyst in the technology team at Morgan Stanley. She has also been at Boston Consulting Group and most recently she’s been working as Head of Growth at health and beauty brand MANTLE.

Natalie holds a B.Sc in Business and Economics from Stockholm School of Economics.

About Scarp Group
Scarp is a boutique investment bank supporting growth companies in the private markets. We provide capital and deal advisory for Nordic entrepreneurs building the companies of tomorrow. We are an independent firm who execute deals with fresh eyes and innovative perspectives. We build our business based on partnering up to take our clients to their full potential. For more information, please visit www.scarpgroup.com

Growth stage tech investor Stella Capital closes their fund

Scarp acted as advisor to Stella Capital in the closing of its growth stage fund for private equity investments within digital retail, SaaS and tech-enabled service companies.

Stella Capital is founded by Anders Brenner, who together with his partners Alf Thiel Metelius and Keith Fransson have extensive experience as entrepreneurs, corporate CEOs and investors. The team has been active investors in Nordic tech companies such as Nordic Nest, Polhus, Loop54 and Jetshop. The current portfolio includes One Agency, Midaxo, Norce and Rentals United.

Following the close of the fund, Stella announced the acquisition of digital fashion brands Soft Goat and By Malina. The synergies between the two online retailers will accelerate their growth journey, and the team will help provide valuable e-commerce expertise and launch the brands internationally. Stella recently added health data science company Schain Research to the portfolio, supporting pharmaceutical companies throughout all phases of drug development.

Scarp supported Stella Capital in the close of the fund, raising private capital from well-known entrepreneurs, HNWIs and Family Offices.

Scarp looks forward to following Stella Capital’s journey and the portfolio’s exciting development.

For more information:
Breakit article

Contact
Nils Lindahl
Partner
nils@scarpgroup.com

About Scarp Group
Scarp is a boutique investment bank supporting growth companies in the private markets. We provide capital and deal advisory for Nordic entrepreneurs building the companies of tomorrow. We are an independent firm who execute deals with fresh eyes and innovative perspectives. We build our business based on partnering up to take our clients to their full potential. For more information, please visit www.scarpgroup.com‍

Scarp has made a new recruitment

We are excited to present Bastiaan Weide as our latest addition to the team.

Bastiaan has spent the past year working at Mangold within Corporate Finance, with previous experiences ranging from Audit Associate at PWC and Sales Development at Project Management startup Fieldly.

He holds a B.Sc in Business and Economics from Lund University and joins Scarp as an Associate.

About Scarp Group
Scarp is a boutique investment bank supporting growth companies in the private markets. We provide capital and deal advisory for Nordic entrepreneurs building the companies of tomorrow. We are an independent firm who execute deals with fresh eyes and innovative perspectives. We build our business based on partnering up to take our clients to their full potential. For more information, please visit www.scarpgroup.com

Turnpike closes new funding

Scarp acted as advisor in Turnpike’s funding round to continue expansion among large retail accounts in Sweden.

Turnpike was founded in 2016 by Carl Norberg, Björn Ögren and Peter Carlsson and have attracted investors such as Karl-Johan Persson, Jan Carlzon, Curitas Ventures, Brofund and Spinnaker Ventures.

With Turnpike’s solutions, retailers can connect their staff with smart watches to optimize workflows and service in retail and hospitality. With a connected schedule and real-time notifications sent to the right person’s wrist, retail staff know what to do and how to prioritize efficiently. The platform increases efficiency and customer experience which in turn boosts sales and profitability.

Turnpike has attracted major customers to date including H&M, Coop, Willys and ICA, as well as a global partnership with Microsoft whose 20,000 sellers offer Turnpike’s solution worldwide.

Scarp is delighted to have worked together with the talented team and look forward to following their journey.‍

For more information:
Dagens Industri article

‍Contact
Axel Brenner
Partner
axel@scarpgroup.com

‍About Scarp Group
Scarp is a boutique investment bank supporting growth companies in the private markets. We provide capital and deal advisory for Nordic entrepreneurs building the companies of tomorrow. We are an independent firm who execute deals with fresh eyes and innovative perspectives. We build our business based on partnering up to take our clients to their full potential. For more information, please visit www.scarpgroup.com

Samuel Hesser joins Scarp as Corporate Finance Intern

We would like to welcome Samuel to the Scarp team.

Samuel has previously worked for Mangold and as an analyst for several private investors. He is currently pursuing a B.Sc. International Business and Politics at Stockholm University, expecting to graduate 2023.

About Scarp Group
Scarp is a boutique investment bank supporting growth companies in the private markets. We provide capital and deal advisory for Nordic entrepreneurs building the companies of tomorrow. We are an independent firm who execute deals with fresh eyes and innovative perspectives. We build our business based on partnering up to take our clients to their full potential. For more information, please visit www.scarpgroup.com

The Scarp team is growing

We would like to welcome our two latest recruits Philip Essehorn and Gustav Ossmark to the team as Corporate Finance Analysts.

Philip has previous corporate finance experience from Mangold and as an M&A and financial due diligence intern at KPMG. He holds a B.Sc in Business and Economics from Stockholm University and is currently pursuing his M.Sc. in Accounting and Management control there.

Gustav has experience from working with dispute resolutions at Klarna. He is currently pursuing a B.Sc in Business and Economics at Stockholm School of Economics and expecting to graduate in 2023.

About Scarp Group
‍Scarp is a boutique investment bank supporting growth companies in the private markets. We provide capital and deal advisory for Nordic entrepreneurs building the companies of tomorrow. We are an independent firm who execute deals with fresh eyes and innovative perspectives. We build our business based on partnering up to take our clients to their full potential. For more information, please visit www.scarpgroup.com